Author
BARANOWSKI, TOM - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) | |
MADDISON, RALPH - University Of Auckland | |
MALONEY, ANN - University Of Massachusetts | |
MEDINA, JR, ERNIE - Loma Linda University | |
SIMONS, MONIQUE - Vu University Medical Center |
Submitted to: The Games for Health Journal: Research, Development, and Clinical Applications
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 2/25/2014 Publication Date: 4/1/2014 Citation: Baranowski, T., Maddison, R., Maloney, A., Medina, Jr, E., Simons, M. 2014. Building a better mousetrap (exergame) to increase youth physical activity. The Games for Health Journal: Research, Development, and Clinical Applications. 3(2):72-76. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: While exergames have been demonstrated to induce moderate levels of physical activity (PA) if played as designed, there is conflicting evidence on use of exergaming leading to increased habitual PA. Exergames have increased PA in some home and school studies, but not others. Exergames have been used in community centers to good effect, but this has not generally been validated with research. PA from exergames may be enhanced by innovative use of sensors, "fun" enhancing procedures, tailored messaging, message framing, story or narrative, goal setting, feedback, and values-based messaging. Research is needed on PA-enhancing procedures employed within exergames for youth to provide a firmer foundation for the design and use of exergames in the future. |